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Application & Admission

Academic Year 2016-2017

 

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) announces the twenty-sixth ICTP Postgraduate Diploma Programme, providing advanced training in the fields of Condensed Matter Physics, High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Earth System Physics or Mathematics. The programme, covering the period 1 September 2016 - 31 August 2017, will lead to the ICTP Postgraduate Diploma (PDICTP) in the relevant field.
 

I. Purpose of Programme

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is designed to provide young promising graduates in physics or in mathematics from developing countries with post-graduate training suitable for pursuing teaching and research work in the above fields.

II. The Courses

The Postgraduate Diploma Programme, in Condensed Matter Physics, High Energy Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Earth System Physics and Mathematics gives courses on basic topics, followed by advanced courses.  The basic topics include:

 
  • Earth System Physics Diploma
    • Fluid Dynamics
    • Geophysics
    • Climate Dynamics
    • Climate Variability and Changes
    • Dynamics and Physics of the Atmosphere and Oceans
    • Earth System Dynamics
  • Mathematics Diploma
    • Algebra
    • Analysis
    • Algebraic Geometry
    • Differential Geometry
    • Topology
    • Dynamical Systems

 

There will be assignments throughout each course, with an examination at the end.  After all courses are successfully completed during the first nine months, participants will work for the remaining three months on a dissertation, to be submitted and defended.  The participants may also be required to take part in the ongoing activities of ICTP in their related fields.  The ICTP Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded only to those candidates who successfully complete all examinations, dissertation, and other requirements as may be decided upon by the Scientific Committee of the PDICTP. 
 

III. Qualifications and Scholarships

(1) The Postgraduate Diploma Programme is open to young (generally below 28 years of age) qualified graduates from all countries that are members of the United Nations, UNESCO or IAEA.

(2) The minimum qualification for applicants is a degree equivalent to an M.Sc. (or an exceptionally good B.Sc.) in Physics, Mathematics or in a field related to the topics listed above. The selection of candidates will be based on their university record and on academic recommendations.

(3) Since the Postgraduate Diploma is in English, fluency in speaking and writing is an essential qualification.

(4) The applicant is expected to have adequate knowledge of the following topics in the specific field for which he/she is applying:

  • (a) For Condensed Matter Physics: Solid state physics; Quantum mechanics; Statistical mechanics; Classical mechanics; Electrodynamics; Mathematical physics.
  • (b) For High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics: Classical mechanics; Electrodynamics; Special theory of relativity; Quantum mechanics; Statistical mechanics.
  • (d) For Earth System Physics: A theoretical background in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering; Mathematical Methods applied in Geophysics and Geosciences.
  • (e) For Mathematics: Basic abstract algebra; Elements of real and complex analysis; Topology.

(5) In each Postgraduate Diploma Programme, scholarships and travel grants will be awarded to those 10 students selected from developing countries.  There are no course fees.  The scholarships cover living expenses for the entire year of study (around 450.00 Euro per month, including accommodation).

(6) A limited number of qualified candidates who meet the same selection criteria as others, may attend the courses at their own cost.  They must supply written evidence from the funding agency, or banking institution that funds are available for their entire year's stay, and are equal to those offered by the Centre.
 

IV. Application

The applicant should submit the online application form to be found at https://e-diploma.ictp.it, as well as upload transcripts of university academic records and university degrees in English.  Two letters of recommendation from senior scientists familiar with the applicant's studies and work, are also required. Candidates are also requested to submit a certificate attesting to their English proficiency.

 

The application for the academic year 2016/2017 will open on September 30, 2015.

 

The selected candidates will be required to provide originals or certified copies of the above documents (as well of their English official translation) before he/she can be admitted to the programme.

If you cannot by any means fill in the on-line application, kindly send an email to: diploma@ictp.it